Surviving The Streak

COMMUNITY SPORTS

The Ely Boys' Soccer Team Started The Season On A Winning Note After 50 Losses Dating Back To 1991.

December 21, 1994|By RICK MENNING Special to the Sun-Sentinel

Their vital signs were extremely weak, but the will to survive remained strong.

Such was the plight of the Ely High School boys' soccer team, which for 50 consecutive games dating back to 1991 - albeit with the exception of one tie - had to endure one defeat after another, becoming more demoralized with each passing match.

"They developed an immunity to losing during the streak," said coach Mike Goodrich, who took over the distressed program last year. "They always tried to succeed but it reached a point where they didn't expect to win and couldn't do what it takes to win."

During this past offseason, Goodrich worked as hard on the kids' mental attitude as he did on their physical attributes.

"To be a winning team, you must learn how to win," Goodrich said. "The team was competitive in past years but just didn't understand how to get over that hurdle from being competitors to being winners."

Despite his efforts, Goodrich admitted to being uncertain over whether the kids' dedication and hard work would pay off as this season began against Fort Lauderdale last month.

In his wildest imagination, the Tigers mentor never expected to witness what was about to take place in that first game.

With a barrage of goals, Ely hammered the Flying Ls 8-0, bringing one of the most memorable soccer losing streaks in Broward to an end.

"You would have thought the kids had won the World Cup," Goodrich recalled. "The jubilation was tremendous. "It was as though they had clinched some season-ending title."

But the season wasn't ending; it was beginning. And with the victory came new concerns as to whether this new breed of Tigers would rest on their laurels or claw their way to further milestones.

The answer can be found in the team's .500 record. The players are not only controlling their emotions, but they are also starting to at least have a strong shot at winning every game by controlling the action on the field.

"One of the big reasons for our success is that we are very solid in the neutral zone," Goodrich said. "Our midfielders can match up with anybody."

Returning captain Ted Moreland, a senior, anchors that midfield. "Ted has seen the dark side, and now he's seeing the bright side of things. He's been a strong factor in our turnaround."

Players such as Raniero Baptista, a transfer student from New Jersey, and Wislet Madet, a sophomore who is new to Ely High School, have provided solid scoring punch for the Tigers.

"You can see the fire in their eyes this year," Goodrich said. "They worked hard in practices before the season started, and are continuing that work ethic during the season."

Returning players such as seniors Frankie Medal, who plays midfield, fullbacks Alshine Mondesir and Stefan Desimone, and junior goalkeeper Duane Edwards have also shown a special dedication.

"They are all very coachable kids who take instruction well," Goodrich said.

Despite knowing about the losing streak, nearly 80 student hopefuls turned out at the team tryouts before the season. "We had to turn kids away because we simply didn't have enough room on the squad," Goodrich said.

The team's goal this season is to be involved in some way in the district race - whether it be directly or indirectly.

"We want some of the real good teams in the county like Coral Springs, Cardinal Gibbons and Piper to know that Ely is a factor to be dealt with this year."